Business Administration A.A.
During his high school years, Business Administration alum Brett Killen had interest in various fields of study and was unsure of which path to choose. This curiosity was a key factor in his decision to choose Bucks as his launching point into higher education.
“Starting my college career at Bucks allowed me to take core classes while learning more about other available programs. Bucks offered me the space to think about what I would like to study and what I would like my career to be. I ultimately focused on Business and Communications.
In addition to the educational and career resources available to Bucks students, Brett took advantage of the beautiful Newtown Campus setting to help manage the stress that all college students sometimes feel.
“I took most of my courses at the Newtown Campus. While between classes, I would walk to Tyler State Park to clear my mind and get some space. I really enjoyed how close the campus was to the park.”
After choosing his areas of study, Brett shifted his focus to post-Bucks plans where he aimed to pursue a four-year degree.
“I decided I would attend Penn State-Abington through the transfer agreement between both schools. The process was easy and seamless. It was nice to review the different agreements between Bucks and each participating university and then compare how each school would help to accomplish my goals.”
Brett’s decision to attend career fairs offered by Bucks, and later by Penn State-Abington, had a major impact on his professional trajectory, resulting in an internship that led to a permanent job offer.
“After attending a few career fairs, I was intrigued by the stability of a federal job. I was offered a job as an intern with the Department of Defense (Defense Logistics Agency) in Philadelphia and worked through their Pathways to Career Excellence (PACE) program. From there, I worked through the education requirements to become a Contracting Officer. I now work as a Contracting Officer with the U.S. Department of Labor, specializing in procuring information technology. Without those career fairs, I don’t think I would be in the position I am in today. From negotiating with major defense contractors or with the largest technology companies in the world, each day is different and exciting. One of my favorite parts of working in the federal government is that it is easy to move from agency to agency. Anyone interested in a federal job should visit USAJobs to review the many openings available in a range of positions.”
Brett encourages any student who may have doubts about whether to continue their program of study at Bucks to persevere.
“If you’re ever feeling discouraged about continuing with your education, do not give up! There is a lot of assistance that Bucks can provide that can make a difference. Collaboration in study groups worked best for me. Preparing for exams can be stressful, but when you have more than one mind looking at material, it can change your outlook.”